Historic Runs by Juli Inkster and Pregnant Madelene Sagstrom Highlight Dow Championship

The 2026 Dow Championship concluded with Gina Kim and rookie Yana Wilson claiming victory, but the tournament was equally defined by two remarkable individual performances. Veteran Juli Inkster, at 65, set an LPGA record by making the cut, while Madelene Sagstrom achieved a top-10 finish while seven months pregnant, adding memorable narratives to the team event in Midland, Michigan.

Inkster Makes History

Juli Inkster, a 31-time LPGA winner and seven-time major champion, became the oldest player in LPGA history to make a cut at 65 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Partnering with Angel Yin, Inkster surpassed JoAnne Carner's previous record set in 2004. Yin credited Inkster's contribution in their alternate shot rounds, noting the veteran's ability to play loose and provide support. The pair closed with a final-round 64, demonstrating strong play throughout the weekend.

Sagstrom's Resilient Performance

Madelene Sagstrom, seven months pregnant, teamed with Dani Holmqvist to secure a top-10 finish at the Dow Championship. The two-time LPGA winner closed with a 64, showcasing her competitive spirit despite physical adjustments. Sagstrom noted the challenges of maintaining stamina and adapting her game, even making club and putting adjustments during the event. She plans to take maternity leave, with her first child due in September, and anticipates returning to the tour after the Asian swing in 2027.

While Sagstrom and Inkster provided compelling side stories, the main event saw Gina Kim and Yana Wilson dominate. The duo, who finished second and third on the Epson Tour money list last year, secured a two-shot victory over Hye-Jin Choi and Hyo Joo Kim. Wilson, 19, turned professional out of high school and won twice on the Epson Tour last year, while Kim, 26, claimed three developmental tour victories in 2025. Their win earned each player $402,691, significantly more than their combined earnings from the previous year. Yana Wilson is currently available at +30000 (Bovada), while Gina Kim is listed at +75000 (Bovada).

Other notable finishers included Hye-Jin Choi and Hyo Joo Kim, who placed second. Hyo Joo Kim is currently priced at +2200 (Bovada). Alison Lee and Lilia Vu tied for third, with Alison Lee at +5500 (Bovada) and Lilia Vu at +35000 (Bovada). Jin Hee Im and Somi Lee rounded out the top five, with Jin Hee Im available at +7500 (Bovada) and Somi Lee at +4000 (Bovada).